Sara Teasdale’s sophisticated reference to a romantic kiss gets elegant treatment in this beautiful composition. Always a great melodist, Childs pulls out all of the stops, dramatically bringing the text to life. The ending sentiment, “Love never fails,” taken from Coriinthians 13, leaves us hoping that this is so. Premiered at the 2013 ACDA National Convention.

Before you kissed me only winds of heaven
Had kissed me, and the tenderness of rain—
Now you have come, how can I care for kisses
Like theirs again?
I sought the sea, she sent her winds to meet me,
They surged about me singing of the south—
I turned my head away to keep still holy
Your kiss upon my mouth.